First Baptist Church, Bonneau, burned the mortgage Dec. 31, 2006, on its fellowship hall/ education building. The 15-year mortgage was paid off in only five years. From left are Mike Dupree, building chairman; David Young, deacon chairman; and Ken Owens, pastor.
Lake Wateree Baptist Church, Ridgeway, held baptism services Jan. 21 on the shores of Lake Wateree. Pastor Ron Gregory gives candidates the choice of waiting until summer, using a sister church’s baptismal, or going to the lake regardless of the time of year. Though temperatures were in the 40s, four people were baptized: Dwight Paysuer, above, – who also helped in the baptism of his two sons, Jake and Josh – and Melissa Hood, below. With Melissa and pastor Gregory is Bob Hood, who assisted Gregory with the service.
The congregation of Trinity Way Baptist Church, Greenville (pictured above) broke ground Jan. 14 for a new church to be located on Old Buncombe Road. Trinity Way was constituted as a church Aug. 7, 2005, and has been meeting in temporary facilities on Poinsett Highway. Participating in the groundbreaking were members of the trustees, building committee, youngest and oldest members – Roger Zercher, Brian Holtzclaw, David Wampole, John Bowen, Brittanie Beattie, Ralph Hudgens, Ida Holtzclaw, Chace Brown, Rudy Greer, John Lee, Bobby Taylor, Neal Fowler and pastor Dennis Holtzclaw. The church has also received a new electric keyboard from Robert and Annette Pruitt (below). Barbara Holcombe, seated, is the church musician.
Hester Young, center, Charleston Southern University’s director of career planning, was awarded for her dedication and distinguished service to the African-American community at a recent Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observance on campus sponsored by the Intercollegiate Black History Month Consortium. Young was recognized for exemplifying the character of Dr. King in service to students and the community.